A Comprehensive look at The Patriots as a team

[Christiancat]

Patriots report: New challenges, same goal

click link for more info ^

What challenges do you think the team face?

How do you think the team can overcome those challenges and meet their goal?

 

[Boogs]

Brady and his new targets getting familiar with each other. Also Gronk being hurt with the loss of Ahern and Welker. That affects blocking for the run game also. Things may look much different.

 

[Brady6]

Patriots report: New challenges, same goal

click link for more info ^

What challenges do you think the team face?

How do you think the team can overcome those challenges and meet their goal?

Currently this is how I would rank each group (best to worst).

1. Quarterback – Brady’s in a top 1-3 of starters in NFL; behind him we have two talented and intriguing backups.
2. Coaching Staff – Belichick is the best HC in the history of the NFL in my opinion; this group falls into 2nd due to the Patricia’s inexperience as a DC and our struggles on defense overall.
3. Offensive Line – Best group of starters in the NFL, I think it will be even stronger with Solder and Wendell entering their 2nd season as starters, Mankins and Vollmer having a full off season to recover from the injuries that nagged them in 2012, and my anticipated addition of Cannon at RG guard giving us more size, youth and athleticism. Behind the starters we have 2 starting caliber players in Connolly and Svitek.
4. Linebacker – Young, versatile and athletic, Hightower should come into his own in his 2nd season and the addition of Jamie Collins should add some exciting playmaking ability.
5. Running Back – The best stable of back in the NFL when pooled together, Ridley will build on his breakout year last year, and I expect Shane Vereen to be the breakout performer on offense.
6. Special Teams – Solid group, Washington should add a much needed threat in the kick return game.
7. Defensive Back – The best secondary group we’ve had since the early 2000’s; Talib winning an off season performance award could be the writing on his wall for him rising into the top 5 cornerbacks in the NFL.
8. Defensive Line – Wilfork is the best defensive tackle in the NFL without question, Jones will take his game to an elite level this season and give us the type of pass rusher we haven’t had since Willie Mcginest. This group comes in low however because lack of depth behind Wilfork is my biggest concern on the team.
9. Tight End – It is second to last right now but if Gronkowski returns healthy it jumps at least to number 4, Ballard will be solid contributor however I have concerns about his knee being 100%. Behind them are 2 JAG’s and 2 unknowns.
10. Wide Receiver – I like Amendola a lot, I don’t expect him to be Welker 2.0 but I do expect him to be an excellent receiver for us. I’m excited about Dobson, Thompskins and Boyce but because they’re rookies and still unknown this group is in the basement right now overall. I do expect that to change however.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

O will struggle the first half of the season..but not raiders struggle here (we have Brady)....getting use to all new weapons...D i think will be very strong this year.

 

[ausbacker]

To me, that seemed like a positional summary opposed to a comprehensive look at the construction of the Patriots.

 

[larryo]

thanks for the ^. I was lost until I saw that.

 

[Big-T]

Defense will probably/hopefully be fine this year, the only worry for me is how quickly can the offense get settled and producing.

If Thompkins, Amendola, Boyce and Dobson can match the TC plaudits in actual games from the get go then the team is fine, if they struggle at times - which is probably going to happen from time to time early on unfortunately then there might be a few nervy games and a lot of Sky is falling posts on here!

 

[Brady6]

O will struggle the first half of the season..but not raiders struggle here (we have Brady)....getting use to all new weapons...D i think will be very strong this year.

Yeah they will struggle, I'm thinking they only average like 30-32 points per game next year .

Fascinating thing is that despite Welker, Hernandez, and Lloyd being such big factors in getting us into scoring positions last season they actually only accounted to score 15 of our 59 offensive touchdowns. Gronkowski scored 11 on his own 11 games (9).

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Yeah they will struggle, I'm thinking they only average like 30-32 points per game next year .

Fascinating thing is that despite Welker, Hernandez, and Lloyd being such big factors in getting us into scoring positions last season they actually only accounted to score 15 of our 59 offensive touchdowns. Gronkowski scored 11 on his own 11 games (9).

well yeah none of them were big red zone targets...RBs played very well last year so they didn't need those TD from lloyd or welker

 

[Hael]

Up until we lost Hernandez, I thought we were still a superbowl calibre team when Gronk returned, just shy of the talent of a team like the 49ers but still right up there. The rookie wrs will produce just fine, and imo we're just looking at a little bit of a bump early in the season.

But losing Hernandez does put a big dent on things. The 2TE offense that was so hard to defend against is probably not going to materialize and I think the team is now a little bit clashy.

For instance, we essentially traded off elite run stopping defenders for a little bit more of a pass rush. The latter really works when you have a high octane offense (think Indianapolis with Freeney/Mathis and denver last year), but when you aren't putting a lot of points up, you open yourself up to losing in a lot of grindathon style matches, where clutch play is really important (and not the forte of rookie wrs and undisciplined offenses).

 

[supafly]

To answer the OP's question:

I think that aside from the current obvious issue of "ignoring the noise" regarding the media and negative attention, the only other challenges would be the usual ones of having players stay as healthy as possible, having everyone progress both on the field and in film study, and replacing lost players (which happens every year).

The best way to overcome the media attention is to reiterate the fact that Hernandez isn't here anymore and to focus on the task at hand. I think that Stacey James has already started things on the right track in terms of having everyone ignore the questions posed to them along with refusing to answer based on "legal issues."

The best way to handle the other challenges is to try and keep a good leadership example from the captains both on/off the field, and to practice, practice, practice---same as every year.

 

[AzPatsFan]

A Comprehensive look 2013 vs 2012 teams.
QBs:
The same. If not slightly better. Brady still has it. but Mallett has more experience and better if called on.
RBs:
More of them and more experienced. So Better.
OLs:
Same starters except for possibly Cannon over Connoly. But no longer three guys starting for the first time. Now three experienced veterans, to go with two Probowlers. Better absolutely.
TEs:
Hernandez is gone, Ballard and rookie Sudfeld here. Fells is healthy. Gronk missed 6 games in 2012. He should be available from Game 1. Worse, but only marginally.
WRs:
Welker gone replaced by younger, bigger, faster Amendola. Lloyd, Branch gone. Replaced by triumvarite of good looking rookies.
Worse until proven otherwise. Potentially, Could be much better.

DTs:
Much improved starters. Depth not as good.
Better.
DEs:
Now 2 proven starters and lots of backup candidates. Benard showing old form.
Better, by a lot.
LBs.
Big three now all experienced starters and rising stars. Depth is now 6 or 7, vs 3; if you include A. Wilson and can shift Ninkovitch if required.
Better by a lot.
CBs:
Now have 5 CBs who are CBs, only one ST in Cole. 3 confirmed starters.
Better, much better.
Safeties:
Now have two starters in McCourty and A Wilson, with three Safeties as subs and only 1 ST in Ebs.
Better, much better.
ST:
Star Returners now for KO and PR. Others same. Better by a lot.

So 9 positions Better: QBs, RBs, OLs, DTs, DEs, LBs, CBs, S and ST
and 2 positions worse TEs and WRs.
Conclusion:
The 2013 team is going to be much better.

 

[jmt57]

To me, that seemed like a positional summary opposed to a comprehensive look at the construction of the Patriots.

I agree, that was about as bland and superficial of a preview as I have ever seen. Basically it was something slapped together for casual fans of other NFL teams with zero substance.


To the OP: I hope this doesn't come across as being snarky, but if you delve into threads that go beyond the comments that are (a) strictly a back and forth about a certain backup quarterback, and (b) about the legal process of a certain former tight end, then you will find there has been plenty of discussion on a daily basis in regards to the questions of what challenges do you think the team face and how do you think the team can overcome those challenges and meet their goal this past off-season.

 

[Christiancat]

JMT, can you give me your opinion answering these questions. I am looking for everyones opinion on the matter.

What challenges do you think the team face?

How do you think the team can overcome those challenges and meet their goal?

 

[mgteich]

DEFENSE
1) We need an inside pass rush. Kelly should help.
2) We need an outside pass rush. Jones needs to be healthy. Collins might help.
3) We need coverage of TE's. Fletcher, Collins or Wilson might help.
4) We need the corners to be healthy and out of jail. We've added Ryan.
5) We need defensive line depth. Forston and Benard (and maybe Bequette) should help.
6) OVERALL: On paper, the defense is better. However, need a lot of health, and we need some players to step up.

OFFENSE
1) We need Vereen or Washington to step up as the 3rd down back.
2) We need health at TE for Ballard and Gronkowski.
3) We need the miracle of rookie contributors at WR. Alternatively, we need Edelman and Jenkins to step up.
4) OVERALL: We are a passing team without receivers.

SPECIAL TEAMS
1) We need Edelman to be healthy. Alternatively, Washington is an OK punt returner.
2) As always, the group will need to integrate the new players. There are always many losses and gains.
Dowling being injured is a major help for the special teams since his injury makes the keeping of Cole even more likely.

 

[Bonzo]

4) OVERALL: We are a passing team without receivers.

Maybe... but it would be pretty pig-headed of McDaniels to try to force a particular identity on a team where the talent doesn't match.

I'm personally optimistic about the run game this year: an excellent O-line, the continued development of a very nice stable of RBs, and (obviously) heavier personnel in the 12 package. Get the running game trucking, and I think Brady still has enough reliable targets to really carve some D's up with the play fake. (Goes w/o saying of course: the health of Gronk/Amendola is crucial.)

The "miracle," I think, would be to get a few catches a game from some combination of the younger WRs - just enough to keep an opposing D honest in the deeper part of the field. Now the offense is really cooking. I think that's about the best we can hope for this season from rookie WRs; but, contingent on the performance of the defense (and maybe STs), that can be enough.

Also - I hope McD picks his spots a little more selectively this year for the hurry-up. Dominate TOP as best as possible with the running game and allow the D sufficient rest between series.

 

[AzPatsFan]

DEFENSE
1) We need an inside pass rush. Kelly should help.
2) We need an outside pass rush. Jones needs to be healthy. Collins might help.
3) We need coverage of TE's. Fletcher, Collins or Wilson might help.
4) We need the corners to be healthy and out of jail. We've added Ryan.
5) We need defensive line depth. Forston and Benard (and maybe Bequette) should help.
6) OVERALL: On paper, the defense is better. However, need a lot of health, and we need some players to step up.

OFFENSE
1) We need Vereen or Washington to step up as the 3rd down back.
2) We need health at TE for Ballard and Gronkowski.
3) We need the miracle of rookie contributors at WR. Alternatively, we need Edelman and Jenkins to step up.
4) OVERALL: We are a passing team without receivers.

SPECIAL TEAMS
1) We need Edelman to be healthy. Alternatively, Washington is an OK punt returner.
2) As always, the group will need to integrate the new players. There are always many losses and gains.
Dowling being injured is a major help for the special teams since his injury makes the keeping of Cole even more likely.

I disagree, completely. QBs make receivers, not vice versa.

1) We DO have the greatest TE of all time; and DO have several good experienced reserves. Fells is now healthy, and DID average 40 catches/year in his career, when healthy.
2) We DO have a much better than average, in fact, Top Three slot WR.
3) We do NOT have an established #2 WR.
4) We DO have a number of talented veterans and youngsters trying to become the #2 WR.
5) We DO have an established #4 WR in Mike Jenkins, who has averaged 40 catches/year in his career. Even now he is faster than Branch was last year.
6) We also DO have the other youngsters vying for the #2 position, to also compete for the #3 WR.

Conclusion: The Pats are NOT bereft of receivers. They merely have a vacancy at #2 WR, and multiple, qualified candidates vying to fill it.

PS: Washington sucks as a Punt Returner. Edelman sucks as a Kick Off Returner. Each is a league leader in their own specialty. Each return specialty needs a completely different and unique set of talents.

PS: Logan Ryan is taking Cole's ST #2 gunner job.

PS: Many are making way too much about Alfonzo Dennard's possible jail time. If he is required to serve his 30 days in-season, (unlikely), he will be out in less than 2 weeks with good behavior time. Goodell has not been imposing suspensions for first offenses, unless a traffic death was involved (see Stallworth). Two weeks unavailability, is hardly a insurmountable problem in a 16 game season.

 

[mgteich]

I'm OK with Jenkins as the #4 wide receiver.
=======
WIDE RECEIVER
You think that we have talented veterans and youngsters competing for the #2 and #3 WR position, with a top slot receiver as our #1. OK, you like depending on Edelman and rookies and consider this not to be an issue for the team. That is simply denial. Of course, we all hope that we have a OROY in Dobson and the Edelman will play the full season showing us that he is a top #2 receiver in the NFL. These things could happen, or not.

DENNARD
I said that the corners needed to stay on the field. It seems that Dowling is already gone. With regard to Dennard, he does need to keep his nose clean. You speak as if these two offenses will be his only two. I suspect that you said the same thing after his first offense.
A healthy Dennard will likely start. However, to presume that he isn't at risk for future jail time or suspension is denial, at least IMHO. The situation has not changed since the draft. Either Dowling or Cole is likely to make the team.

I disagree, completely. QBs make receivers, not vice versa.

1) We DO have the greatest TE of all time; and DO have several good experienced reserves. Fells is now healthy, and DID average 40 catches/year in his career, when healthy.
2) We DO have a much better than average, in fact, Top Three slot WR.
3) We do NOT have an established #2 WR.
4) We DO have a number of talented veterans and youngsters trying to become the #2 WR.
5) We DO have an established #4 WR in Mike Jenkins, who has averaged 40 catches/year in his career. Even now he is faster than Branch was last year.
6) We also DO have the other youngsters vying for the #2 position, to also compete for the #3 WR.

Conclusion: The Pats are NOT bereft of receivers. They merely have a vacancy at #2 WR, and multiple, qualified candidates vying to fill it.

PS: Washington sucks as a Punt Returner. Edelman sucks as a Kick Off Returner. Each is a league leader in their own specialty. Each return specialty needs a completely different and unique set of talents.

PS: Logan Ryan is taking Cole's ST #2 gunner job.

PS: Many are making way too much about Alfonzo Dennard's possible jail time. If he is required to serve his 30 days in-season, (unlikely), he will be out in less than 2 weeks with good behavior time. Goodell has not been imposing suspensions for first offenses, unless a traffic death was involved (see Stallworth). Two weeks unavailability, is hardly a insurmountable problem in a 16 game season.

 

[mgteich]

Josh isn't pig-headed, but we are not a run first team. That is NOY going to happen as long as Tom Brady is our quarterback. Most of us would like us to have a higher percentage f runs this year. I will change my mind some if we sign a true fullback to the 53 man squad.

BTW, I think that we will try to us just as much "no huddle" which is of course fundamentally different in purpose from the "hurry up".

Maybe... but it would be pretty pig-headed of McDaniels to try to force a particular identity on a team where the talent doesn't match.

I'm personally optimistic about the run game this year: an excellent O-line, the continued development of a very nice stable of RBs, and (obviously) heavier personnel in the 12 package. Get the running game trucking, and I think Brady still has enough reliable targets to really carve some D's up with the play fake. (Goes w/o saying of course: the health of Gronk/Amendola is crucial.)

The "miracle," I think, would be to get a few catches a game from some combination of the younger WRs - just enough to keep an opposing D honest in the deeper part of the field. Now the offense is really cooking. I think that's about the best we can hope for this season from rookie WRs; but, contingent on the performance of the defense (and maybe STs), that can be enough.

Also - I hope McD picks his spots a little more selectively this year for the hurry-up. Dominate TOP as best as possible with the running game and allow the D sufficient rest between series.

 

[Deus Irae]

This seems more like an opportunity to gage the team's weaknesses than to give a full assessment. I'm too tired to do either justice right now, so I'll toss in a basic breakdown:

Coaching - great

QB - great starter, significant issues with the backups

RB - looks promising, but serious question marks abound here (Ridley's style and fumbling, Bolden's failed test, Vereen's pass blocking, Blount's pass blocking, etc...)

O-line - Solder's been a bit of a disappointment to date, but he's solid. Vollmer's general excellent when healthy, but injury is a huge question with him. Mankins' question is simply whether or not he's completely recovered. RG question is first "who?" and then "Is he good enough?" Center has issues with Wendel's size, and Connolly may be the better player there, but it's seemingly covered by the pair.

TE - Who knows?

WR - Other than Amendola, who's an injury waiting to happen, who knows?

DT - If Kelly holds up, the starting pair will be excellent, but the depth is a huge question. If Kelly can't hold up, it could be a season-long issue.

DE - Should be fine in the 4-3, would be better (especially with the DT depth situation) if it were capable of filling out a roster in the 3-4. Any weakness against the run should be covered for by both the DTs and the LBs.

LB - probably the best run stopping LB corps in the league, problems in coverage continue to be an issue, particularly when only 3 are dropping back into coverage and one of those three is Spikes. Collins could help in this department (despite my loathing of that pick), and having Fletcher back could also give it a boost. Also, should he make the team and get playing time, Adrian Wilson should be a help against the run.

CB - Solid at the top 3, weak as hell after that. Any long term issues with Talib/Dennard/Arrington could force a complete reshuffling of the DBs including the move of McCourty back to CB. That's a panic-level scenario, IMO, so I hope the front office is paying very close attention to the waiver wire for this position.

S- McCourty's solid. The rest ranges from "?" to "incredibly mediocre", or worse. Much like the DE position and the WR position, the team has been failing to fix this position for years.

Basic bottom line: A host of questions, many of them areas that are questions because of bad front office choices, and the answers should start coming around weeks 2-3 of the exhibition season. Because of the greatness of Brady and BB, and the way the schedule falls, this team will likely be an 11+ win team again even with all the issues and changes, and people will be hyping it as a SB threat, yet again. Whether that hype will be warranted or not, that is the question.